BACKGROUND

It all began on the 19th of May, 1918, when two brothers, Eugenio and Alfredo Verga formed a partnership in Milan dedicated to the production, working and sale of fountain pens, nibs, ink and stationary items. Eugenio chose Columbus as the name of the brand, whereas Alfredo gave his own name to the new born partnership, which became known as Alfredo Verga dei Fratelli Verga. The same year the first pen was crafted; this total black ebonite pen was called the Columbus Safety Pen N.1. Through the years, some more valuable gold-plated models were added to the Columbus range, which enhanced the prestige and standard of the brand. In 1927 a sales downturn caused the dissolution of the partnership. Nonetheless, Eugenio kept on his path: he sought new materials, such as celluloid, and created new charging systems, patenting the lever filling system as well as the reverse syringe filling mechanism. A full cycle production was started, including nibs, clips and bodies, which generated a steady development of the company. But the war had no mercy and the Milan bombings destroyed the factory. All that could be rescued was moved to Lesa until 1948, when the company was reestablished in the Lombardy capital, in Via Trebbia. The production was brought back to its full capacity by crafting brand new models of undisputable quality and reasonable price. Eugenio Verga passed away nine years later, and his son Enrico succeeded him, leading the company through ups and downs, such as the crisis in the market of the fountain pens, due to the introduction of the ball-pen.

In 1992 both the brand and the factory were sold to Santara, a new company led by Raoul Franco. On the basis of his experience and passion for the writing instruments, Raoul refurbished the Columbus models, adding new silver and celluloid made items, that boosted sales back to its old standards in the Italian market. In the 1990s the Academia series had such a limited production run that it is highly desired by collectors nowadays. The new Scriba series, with its bright resin colour and extremely smooth stroke, seems to be its ideal successor. Santara, besides maintaining the leadership in the sale of Columbus silver-plated pens, was the first company that launched the Matitone pencils in the Italian market. They soon became a cult pencil for teenagers, professionals and marketing managers. The restless search for new materials and unique finishes, as well as the attention paid to the evolution of the customers demand, induced the creation of a wide and diverse range of products that share the core elements of the company s mission: tradition, high quality and alluring prices.